Child Porn Maker Marc Romain Mandina Avoids Jail

A French citizen living in San Marcos pleaded guilty to a single felony count of child porn, with the understanding that he will not spend any time in jail.

Defendant Marc Romain Mandina, 41, was accused of videotaping a 12-year-old girl undressing and showering in his San Marcos home in 2007, according to prosecutor Keith Watanabe. The defendant, who is an ice-skating instructor for children, also recorded himself setting up the camera in his master-bedroom closet.

According to the plea deal paperwork signed on May 31, Mandina will get a 365-day suspended sentence (meaning he will not serve any jail time) and three years’ probation.

Mandina has been free on bail since his arraignment in February. Prosecutor Watanabe said the family of the child was consulted, and they found the plea deal acceptable since they wanted to withdraw their child from further involvement in the matter.

Mandina will have to register as a sex offender. He is due in the Vista courthouse for sentencing on June 28.